IDENTIFICATION OF TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS USING MOLECULAR METHODS IN IRAQI INFECTED WOMEN

Abstract

ABSTRACTThere are different methods for identification and detection of Ttrichomonasvaginalis which causes trichomonasis. In this study Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) for amplification of 18S rRNA gene was used. Three hundred and fourvaginal swabs were collected during the period (December 2010- September 2011)from hospitals of north east of Baghdad city from ladies complained of genitaltract infections. There were 148 cases suspected to be trichomonasis, among thesesuspected cases there were 60 cases (40.5%) of real infections with the parasite.These infections distributed on different age groups, and the highest was in thereproductive age group (21-30) years and it was 40%of cases, and the parasite wasdetected in complicated cases such as inflammation and other symptoms (30%),followed by pregnancy(18.33%). Trichomonasis combined with elevation ofvaginal pH and most of cases (31 cases out of 60 cases) detected at pH 6.Trichomonasis combined with elevation of WBCs count/ml (12000-15000WBCs/ml) blood and pus cells in vaginal discharge، 31 pus cell/field. UsingPolymerase chain reaction for amplification of 18S rRNA showed sensitivity at100% and specificity 100% to amplify segment 312 bp. Positive results withPolymerase chain reaction appeared in samples which were negative in other testssuch as direct microscopy، pH, Wiff test, Rapid test based on the immunity